Easy, accessible 30-foot waterfall with wheelchair-accessible viewing platform; part of active USFS repair project with partial closures.
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Active USFS repair project along the Black River waterfall corridor (started May 18, 2026, expected through fall 2027); per the USFS alert, Potawatomi Falls is 'Open with some platform closures,' with further portions expected to close later in the season.
Potawatomi Falls is a 30-foot waterfall with a 130-foot width near Bessemer, making it a significant feature of the Black River scenic area. The main advantage of this waterfall is that the trail, restroom, and viewing platform are all wheelchair accessible.
The site is currently part of an active U.S. Forest Service repair project that began in May 2026 and is expected to continue through fall 2027. While the falls area is open, some platform closures are in place, with the possibility of additional seasonal closures. Check the USFS Ottawa National Forest recreation website for the most current status before visiting.
There is no day-use fee. The accessible design makes this an excellent option for visitors with mobility considerations or those who prefer not to commit to a strenuous hike. Gorge Falls is just a short distance away at the same trailhead, giving you options to visit multiple falls during a single trip.
Year-round, but check USFS status for seasonal platform closures related to the ongoing repair project through fall 2027.
Wheelchair accessible with accessible viewing platform.
Gorge Falls at the same trailhead.
No fee or permit requirement was published on the managing agency's site when we last checked — confirm current conditions before you go, since these change.
The managing agency's page (linked below) has the current trailhead and route details — round-trip distance wasn't published when we checked.
We track 7 waterfalls in Porcupine Mountains & Black River.
There are 6 other waterfalls we track in Gogebic County. All Porcupine Mountains & Black River waterfalls →
fs.usda.gov
USFS Ottawa National Forest recreation-site page (shared page for Potawatomi and Gorge Waterfalls), checked 2026-09-04. Page states 'Potawatomi Falls has a 130 foot width and a 30 foot drop' and 'The Potawatomi Falls trail, restroom, and viewing platform are accessible.' Coordinates given are for the shared Potawatomi/Gorge parking area. CLOSURE CHECK: listed as 'Site Open' with only partial platform closures noted, not a full closure.
Checked September 2026.